One cannot ponder the goal of existence without considering the role of happiness in life. Generally, happiness connotes an ephemeral or transient emotion that is dependent on situational contexts. However, eternal happiness transcends the past, present, and future, and it is independent of all situations. This eternal happiness is often discussed in religious philosophy, and more often referred to as joy or bliss. In Vedanta, moksha and ananda (bliss) are very closely related, in that moksha is the ultimate, eternal ananda. Hence, the Divine is considered to be ultimate Existence-Consciousness-BLISS (satchitANANDA).